COSHOCTON - Chrisha Collins of West Lafayette wants her children to give before they get this holiday season.

Early Tuesday Chrisha and her youngest, Jack Collins who is almost 4, helped to organize about 460 boxes and food for needy local families at the Coshocton Salvation Army. Collins' other three children and her nephew joined them after school.

Chrisha said her family members aren't regular volunteers for the Salvation Army, but this holiday season she wanted them to learn the importance of community outreach. She said even Jack can understand the importance of giving back and he was having fun pushing boxes around and putting cans in them.

"We're giving back to those who need it to understand the concept of what Christmas is all about," she said. "I think it's a great thing people in the community have come together to help those who need it. I believe there are good people out there and this is a great way to show it."

Capt. Vicki Clark said the holiday food boxes were up for the year from 385 in 2017. She attributed to that to some new families seeking assistance. Along with the food boxes distributed on Wednesday, 196 infants to preschool-aged kids received clothes and a toy from the Angel Tree drive. Five families also received Christmas trees that were decorated part of a contest with Our Town Coshocton. All 20 trees will be given out before Christmas, Vicki said.

About 10,000 non-perishable food items were received from 14 local schools with monetary donations to buy more. Leftover food will be go into the Salvation Army's food pantry or be used for any possible emergency food situations.

Buy Photo

Twenty decorated Christmas trees from a contest by Our Town Coshocton were given out along with food boxes and Angel Tree donations on Wednesday at the Coshocton Salvation Army. Boxes were packed on Tuesday by volunteers.(Photo: Leonard Hayhurst/Tribune)

"It gives the students an opportunity to get involved in a community wide event versus within just their own school. They learn they can make an impact," Vicki said.

The food boxes included canned vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, fruit, boxes of cereal, macaroni and cheese, rice and more. Vicki said most local children will be out of school for about 10 days for winter break and the extra food will help take the place of school meals. Additionally, it will allow families to channel some more funding into Christmas presents. Capt. Tom Clark said household expenses go up for everyone at the holidays.

"Sometimes our families don't have enough money to make sure they have their groceries taken care of because they get a little excessive on their Christmas and expenditures, but this gives them the opportunity to have food in their pantry and to make sure they will be able to get by the next days after Christmas," Vickie said.

This time of year is busy in general for the Salvation Army.

The annual Red Kettle campaign ends Christmas Eve with the local chapter about $10,000 short of its $35,000 goal. The Christmas Castle project brought in around $37,000, above the $35,000 goal. Shopping has already been done for 409 school aged children to receive warm winter clothes, but Vicki said the extra funding would be used for emergencies and next year's campaign.

Buy Photo

Chrisha Collins tapes a box for Lt. Ariann Maupin as they prepare to load them with food for the Salvation Army's annual holiday food distribution drive.(Photo: Leonard Hayhurst/Tribune)

"I was a recipient of all of this as a little girl. I got the food baskets, I got the Christmas toys from the Salvation Army," Vicki said. "To know that I can in turn pay it forward and help a family get through this Christmas season ... being there to bring joy, peace and comfort to them this Christmas season is a very warm and beautiful experience for me personally."

Buy Photo

Faith Treat gives a holiday food box to Erin Porter of Conesville during distribution Wednesday at the Coshocton Salvation Army. Porter, who has volunteered for Salvation Army programs in the past, is a new mom out of work this year.(Photo: Leonard Hayhurst/Tribune)

Erin Porter of Conesville has volunteered for Christmas Castle shopping for several years. This year she finds herself out of work and a new mom to 10-month-old Mason. She received a box of food for her family, which includes her mother, and an Angel Tree package.

"This aid will essentially allow us to rest at ease and have peace to know we can have a nice Christmas for our family. In terms of importance, knowing our family is fed and our family is warm are the top two," she said. "These programs are absolutely essential in our community."